Colt Model 1903 Hammerless U.S. Property .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3724
LSB#: 210917MW04
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless U.S. Property Marked
Serial Number: 566827
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897 DEC. 22, 1903? and with a rampant colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left of the frame is marked “566827” and with a crossed cannon proof at the rear. The left trigger guard bow is marked “VP” in a triangle. The right trigger guard bow is marked with what appears to be a poorly struck “80”. The right-front of the slide has an arrow pointing to an indexing line for disassembly. The right side of the frame is marked “U.S. PROPERTY”. The underside flat of the slide is marked with the serial number, “566827”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short serrated blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered wood Type IV panels with Rampant Colt medallions. There is light wear to both panels with some minor compressed checkers. The checkering is generally sharp. There are some slightly darker areas from handling and age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Perkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with defined rifling. There is some very faint erosion midbore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are some areas of light thinning on certain leading edges. There are some faint scratches around the safety. There are a few small mars on the back of the slide. There are other infrequent minor handling marks and tiny nicks. The markings are mainly clear, the crossed cannons are partially faded yet legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. This pistol has a grip safety and a manual safety and a magazine disconnect safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued 8 round magazine with light-moderate operational wear, some light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st of the Colt concealed hammer models, followed by the M1908 in .380 ACP. Despite the title ‘Hammerless’, the M1903 and M1908 pistols do have a hammer, which is covered and hidden from view under the rear of the slide. This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging. These pistols were popular civilian firearms for much of their life, and also served as United States General Officer pistols from the 1940s, which is what we have here. This pistol bears the “U.S. Property” marking and the crossed cannons, and falls within the serial number range of the 7,222 pistols that were shipped to Springfield Armory. Of those, 2,500 went to General Officers, 1,000 went to England, and 500-3,000 to OSS. This pistol will add to a collection of early Colt automatics with its early features such as barrel bushing and 3 3/4” barrel. Plainly speaking, this is a gorgeous pistol. Good luck and happy bidding!